The National Conference of Firemen & Oilers 32BJ, SEIU reached a tentative agreement with Norfolk Southern Railroad. The tentative agreement is a five (5) year term which provides 17.5% in General Wage increases, improves vacation agreement entitlements, secures improvements in health and welfare benefits while maintaining the current 15% monthly contributions.
This agreement will be in place prior to the current agreement expiring, this is unheard of in the railroad industry. This agreement was not reached from traditional rail bargaining with all the Freight Railroads at the same time. The NCFO engaged directly with Norfolk Southern to reach this tentative agreement.
NCFO President Michael Pistone stated “Establishing a new agreement before the current one expires provides significant economic benefits for all NCFO members and their families. The financial advantages play a crucial role in our decision to present this new agreement to the members currently.” Pistone continued, “The value of this entire package on day one of the new term, vacation improvements and locking healthcare contributions at 15%, is a better value than requesting mediation and getting lost under the terms of the Railway Labor Act and a few years later the possibility of bargaining through a bull horn on the streets of Atlanta.”
The NCFO will prepare a ratification package and explanation of the terms. The ratification process will take place when our documents are finalized.